Florida Favorites: Featuring Travel Blogger Amy Lynne Hayes

In a new blog series for VISIT FLORIDA I’m interviewing travel bloggers to find out about their favorite things about the Sunshine State.

Next up is Amy Lynne Hayes, a very talented designer, blogger and freelance writer. Her case of wanderlust has taken her to more than 20 countries, and counting. In spite of her globe-trotting ways, the Treasure Coast of Florida remains her definition of “home.” She records her love for all things travel and creative on her blog, Créatrice Mondial, and her writing has appeared in publications such as Stuart Magazine, The Palm Beacher, Jupiter Magazine and French Quarter Magazine.

Here are Amy’s Florida Faves on the Treasure Coast:

Where to Stay

The Old Colorado Inn boasts one of the best locations in town. Nestled on the second floor of a brightly colored building, the inn feels more like holiday apartment rentals than hotel rooms. In fact, there are only three studios/rooms available. The property is situated right in the middle of Historic Downtown Stuart, steps away from all the best shopping, restaurants and nightlife the town has to offer.

Where to Eat

Carsons Tavern is THE place to go for great food in a pub-style atmosphere. They open for both lunch and dinner, and tend to get extremely crowded during sporting events. Try one of their delicious daily specials, or a burger – they’re famous for them!

A relatively new kid in town, having opened in early 2013, District Table & Bar has taken the town by storm. The menu changes almost weekly based on what’s in season, and the highly skilled creative inclinations of Chef Jason Stocks. Experience incredible food with an award-winning wine list at reasonable prices. Southern hospitality at its finest.

Osceola Street Cafe is a downtown institution. This popular cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, excelling at all of the above. It acts as a community meeting spot during the day, then steps it up in the evenings to offer one of the area’s best finer dining experiences without a hint of pretentiousness.

Where to Play

Terra Fermata offers one of the more unique bar experiences around. It’s not often that you can listen to live music and drink beer in an outdoor garden next to the world’s largest wind chime. This is one of those places that actually feels like you are having a party at your best friend’s backyard. Complete a hammock. It’s not to be missed, and is especially packed on nights the local reggae-rock band Fresh Catch are playing.

The beaches in this area are gorgeous. Gone are the high-rises of Palm Beach County, replaced with natural sand dunes or individual houses along the shore. Stuart Beach is the main public beach, but for a more unique experience head to Bathtub Beach farther down the island on MacArthur Boulevard. The name “bathtub” comes from the reef formation a short distance offshore that creates a sort of basin or pool during low tides. It’s hugely popular with families.

On your way you’ll also pass the House of Refuge Museum, the county’s oldest building and once served as a haven for shipwrecked sailors and travelers. Today it’s popular for photo shoots and weddings.

Connect: To connect with Amy, check out her website: Créatrice Mondial. And follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

In Case You Missed It: Check out my interview with Charles McCool of McCool Travel and Ashley Vaccarino of Arrive Chic.

Know any travel bloggers who would love to share their favorite things about Florida? Email Kara@KaraFranker.com.

Want more travel tips from VISIT FLORIDA’s Entertainment & Luxury Insider? Follow Kara Franker on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.